Father of Vikings' player Asiata dies in accident

Blog Post by: Chip Scoggins

October 29, 2013 - 3:37 PM

Tragic news for Vikings running back Matt Asiata, whose father died in a bus crash in Utah on Monday.

Here is the Salt Lake Tribune report on the crash. Pita Asiata was driving a charter bus that ran into the rear of a construction truck. Pita Asiata suffered “massive chest trauma,” according to the Utah Highway Patrol, when the crash drove a large auger on the truck through the front of the bus and into the driver’s seat.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Pita Asiata, the father of Matt and Shawn Asiata. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Matt, Shawn and their entire family as they go through this extremely difficult time," University of Utah coach Kyle Whittingham said in a statement released to the Salt Lake Tribune.

Matt and his brother, Shawn, played college football at Utah.

The Vikings issued this statement: We are aware of the tragic incident involving Matt’s father, Pita Asiata. This is heartbreaking news for Matt and his family. We are here to support the Asiata family in any way possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Asiata family.